The Catamounts return six of their top eight scorers from last season, including sophomores Patrick Sharp (12-15-27) and Jeff Miles (8-23-31), both selected in the NHL Entry Draft in June of this year. Senior Ryan Cox (10-11-21) was voted team captain, and is an excellent leader both on the ice and in the locker room for this squad. Cox has built a reputation in Burlington as a hard worker and is a tremendous asset on the penalty kill, having scored three short-handed goals last season.
With the recent news of Graham Mink’s indefinite suspension from Vermont’s hockey program, Bryson Busniuk (11-11-22) and John Longo (5-12-17) will have to put up impressive numbers to help out their squad offensively.
Sophomore Shawn Conschafter (2.56, 0.908, 4-5-0) returns to take his stance between the pipes for the UVM squad this year. Conschafter captured the starting position from senior Andrew Allen at the end of the season last year after relieving Allen in the second period against St. Lawrence. In the last four games of the season, the Buffalo native made 106 saves in three games against Clarkson in the first round of playoff action, and made 33 saves against Dartmouth in an overtime loss at Lake Placid.
Mike Gouett (0-1-1) is the only senior defenseman on the squad this year, which returns three other regular blue liners from the 2000-2001 campaign. Between Thomas Hejek and Oriel McHugh, the Cats have a good core, but are lacking in depth.
Watch for Vermont to struggle in the beginning of the season, especially with Boston College, New Hampshire, and Boston University as their first three opponents. Head Coach Mike Gilligan will need to inspire his troops after they start the season 0-3.
